Lenses for Mid-Wave Infrared (MWIR) Cameras for 3–5 µm

MWIR Athermal Lens

Shape Optics provides MWIR Athermal lenses for thermal imaging systems operating in the 3–5 µm wavelength range. Athermal optical designs help maintain focus and image quality as environmental temperature changes, reducing the need for active refocusing.

These lenses are suitable for MWIR imaging systems operating across changing thermal environments and can be configured according to detector format, pixel pitch, focal length, F-number, mechanical interface, and operating temperature requirements.

MWIR Athermal Lens Overview

Temperature Stability

Maintains consistent focus and optical performance across varying operating temperatures.

High Quality

Optimized for the MWIR 3–5 µm wavelength range with suitable infrared materials and AR coatings.

Wide Range of Models

Available in different focal lengths, F-numbers, and detector formats to match various MWIR camera systems.

Durability

Designed for industrial, scientific, security, and defense applications where stable performance is required in harsh environments.

How Does Athermal Work?

Temperature changes can affect the refractive properties of infrared optical materials and cause dimensional changes in the lens housing. Together, these effects can shift the image plane and reduce image sharpness.

An athermalized optical design compensates for temperature-induced focus changes through the selection of optical materials, lens powers, spacing, and mechanical structure. The objective is to maintain stable imaging performance across the specified operating temperature range.

Passive athermalization achieves this without requiring continuous motorized focus correction, making it useful for systems where thermal stability, reliability, and simplified operation are important.

Key Considerations for Lens Selection

Parameter Selection Considerations
Operating Temperature Range Define the minimum and maximum temperatures the imaging system must support.
Detector Compatibility Match detector resolution, pixel pitch, and active image size.
Focal Length Select according to the required field of view and observation distance.
F-number (F/#) Match the optical aperture to the detector and required imaging performance.
Thermal Focus Stability Consider acceptable focus shift and image performance across temperature changes.
Optical Performance Evaluate MTF, distortion, transmission, and image quality across the operating range.
Mechanical Interface Confirm mounting interface, available space, and dimensional constraints.
Environment Consider vibration, shock, humidity, and other environmental requirements.

For other focusing configurations, explore our MWIR lens solutions, including Manual Focus, Motorized Focus, Dual FOV, and Continuous Zoom lenses. Custom athermalized optical designs can also be evaluated according to your detector and operating temperature requirements.

Applications in Infrared Imaging

MWIR Athermal lenses are suitable for thermal imaging systems that must maintain stable imaging performance under changing environmental temperatures.

  • Outdoor Surveillance Systems: Maintain focus as ambient temperatures change between daytime, nighttime, and seasonal operating conditions.
  • Airborne Imaging Systems: Support thermal imaging equipment exposed to changing temperatures during flight and altitude transitions.
  • Industrial Monitoring: Provide stable MWIR imaging for equipment installed in environments with varying operating temperatures.
  • Unattended Imaging Systems: Reduce the need for frequent focus adjustment in remotely installed or continuously operating thermal imaging equipment.
Winter Outdoor Surveillance Systems
Industrial Thermal Monitoring Control Room
Airborne Thermal Imaging at Sunset
Medical Thermal Imaging Control Room

Available MWIR Athermal Lens Models

SOT-MW-A-916F2MWIR - Athermal

SOT-MW-A-916F2

SOT-MW-A-25F2MWIR - Athermal

SOT-MW-A-25F2

SOT-MW-A-10F2MWIR - Athermal

SOT-MW-A-10F2

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Custom MWIR Optical Design and Integration

Shape Optics supports standard and customized MWIR optical solutions according to system requirements. Customization may include focal-length range, detector compatibility, optical performance, mechanical dimensions, and motorized control integration.

Customers can provide detector specifications, required focal lengths, F-number, operating conditions, and mechanical constraints for technical evaluation.